International Delphi Meetup in Ancient Greek and Latin

A meetup exclusively in Latin and ancient Greek languages with simultaneous interpretation in Modern Greek and English took place at the Delphi Economic Forum 2022.

The event brought together renowned professors from Greece and abroad who traveled to Delphi, the center of the ancient world, carrying the values of classical texts, to modern times.

Titled “Classics in Praxis: Social Values from Classical Texts”, and powered by LanguageCert, a member of the PeopleCert Group, the exciting meetup took place in an age where, although everything is changing, the meanings and values of classical texts remain timeless.

“Ethos, virtue, conscience are concepts that decorate Greek and Latin literature, and which restore the inner need for justice and balance”, the organiser notes.

Ancient Greek language spoken live at the event

The event speakers were divided in two panels; Hellenists and Latinists.

Latin-speaking professors presented Latin texts, and Classical Greek-speaking professors presented Greek texts in the Attic dialect and the Koine Greek, in a symbolic gesture to highlight the ageless, everlasting quality of classical languages.

They then exchanged their views on the social values of classical texts, connecting the past with the present and future.

In his keynote speech, Angelos Syrigos, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, highlighted the importance of timeless values, such as peace, which is dominant in classical texts and is associated with modern reality.

The event was also attended by Greek MEP Eva Kaili, who was recently elected Vice President of the European Parliament.

“The teaching of Ancient Greek in schools is the core of European identity. The Ancient Greek language has contributed to the creation of this European identity in many ways. Our values and sense of morality are based on Ancient Greek culture”, Kaili commented.

Ancient Greek language still taught around the world

Classical Greek is taught either as a compulsory or optional subject at schools and universities across the world, from Australia to the UK as well as in most European countries, most notably in Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

It is believed to provide a good grounding in grammar, syntax and vocabulary which can boost understanding of other modern languages even from a young age.

PeopleCert -the event’s organiser- had previously hosted the virtual symposium “Classical Greek: When the Past blends with the Future”, where the multiple benefits of understanding and using Classical Greek and the increasing advantages of being certified in this language were highlighted, in December 2021.

It is the provider of the First Global suite of Classical Greek qualifications, launched in 2021, through LanguageCert.

All PeopleCert exams in Classical Greek were offered free of charge throughout 2021, in recognition of the Bicentennial of the Greek Revolution. The Classical Greek portfolio has since been further enriched with a new qualification level.